Medicine
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The carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT) is a validated measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and has been associated with CIMT in North America and Europe; however, there are limited data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this cross-sectional study, we measured CIMT in a cohort of 262 people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥6 months and HIV-negative adults in western Kenya. ⋯ In this cross-sectional study of Kenyan adults, traditional CVD risk factors were found to be more prevalent among HIV-negative participants. After multivariable regression analysis, we found no association between HIV status and CIMT, and PLHIV had fewer CVD risk factors associated with CIMT than HIV-negative participants did. HIV-specific factors were not associated with the CIMT.
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Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a hereditary and progressive renal disease. By the age of 65 years, 45% to 70% of patients with ADPKD reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although there are various treatments for this condition, no standard therapy exists to delay the progression of ADPKD. ⋯ The mean duration from diagnosis to RRT was 110.8 ± 93.9 months. Age at diagnosis after 30 years (odd's ratio [OR], 2.737; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.320-5.675; P = .007), baseline serum creatinine levels (OR, 1.326; 95% CI, 1.259-1.396; P < .001), and cyst infection (OR, 2.065; 95% CI, 1.242-3.433; P = .005) were the independent risk factors for kidney failure in multivariable analysis. To delay the advance of ADPKD to ESRD, early diagnosis and close observation for the onset of cyst infection are crucial.
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Edoxaban (Edx) has been approved to prevent venous thromboembolism after total knee and/or hip arthroplasty in Japan. However, the risk of anemia with Edx treatment remains elusive. No risk factors for Edx-associated anemia after orthopedic surgery have been reported. ⋯ Edx treatment was associated with an increased risk of anemia-related events in orthopedic patients. Reduced renal function was identified as a critical risk factor for Edx-associated anemia after orthopedic surgery. The present study indicates that renal function should be considered in the risk management of increased Edx-associated anemia after orthopedic surgery.
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Case Reports
Whole-exome sequencing analysis of amniotic fluid cells in 5 pregnant women with thalassemia: Case report.
While thalassemia is a monogenic disease that is relatively common worldwide, there is no recognized radical cure for thalassemia in current medical practice. Prenatal diagnosis is the most important contribution to thalassemia prevention, but due to its technical limitations, rare thalassemia mutations cannot be detected; and the birth of thalassemic babies cannot be completely circumvented. Whole-exome sequencing can, however, compensate for this shortcoming. ⋯ The identifications from this study showed that prenatal diagnosis has limitations. Whole-exome sequencing can compensate for this shortcoming. And this study would add new insights into understanding of molecular mechanisms in thalassemia.
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Since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, although it has had a serious impact on people's lives and health in itself, the sequelae that accompany coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have also had a serious impact on people's mental health and quality of life. Taste disorder (TD) is one of the sequelae of COVID-19. Patients may experience reduced or even absent taste sensation, which seriously affects their real life. The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of taste disorders has been well reported, but there is a lack of evidence-based medical evidence. Therefore, this study set out to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of post-COVID-19 taste disorder. ⋯ This meta-analysis will evaluate the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on TD caused by sequelae of COVID-19, providing evidence as to the treatment in these patients.